Ace of Spades Tattoo Designs, Ideas, and Meanings

Updated on January 6, 2016

History of the Ace of Spaces Symbol

The ace of spades has been a symbolic of many things. The history behind it may be surprising to some. It is commonly known as the highest valued card, even though some card games give it a lesser value. The origins date back to the 17th century. Card games have been popular for hundreds of years. Many viewed it as a symbol of good luck and good fortune. However, the ace of spade has a dark past in American history.

Ace of spades cards were also used in war, most commonly in World War II and the Vietnam war. During WWII, American soldiers would paint it on their helmet for good luck. In fact, all four card suits were used to help identify the American soldiers, including the diamond, club, and heart. During the Vietnam war, it was used to strike fear in the Vietnamese. It wasn't uncommon for ace of spades cards to be placed on departed Vietnamese soldiers. In some cases, thousands of cards would be placed in fields, as it was believed that according to Vietnamese symbolism, the ace of spades represented death. As you can see, it was used as a psychological weapon.

Today, it can mean a variety of things.The ace of spades tattoo is commonly inked on gamblers, bikers, and gangs. It has many other associations throughout history. In this article, we'll discuss ace of spades tattoo designs and meanings. In the end, we hope that you're able to leave inspired and with ideas for your next tattoo.

Designs

Ace of spades tattoos can be designed in many different ways. It can be designed alone or portrayed with several other symbols and elements. Due to this, there's a variety ace of spades tattoo variations.

Most commonly, the tattoo portrays the ace of spades playing card. This card can also be designed in many ways. Some designs may portray a spade in the center of the card or a skull. They are also commonly designed with other playing cards, such as within a royal flush. This tattoo would include the K, Q, J, and 10 of spades. Other card combinations are also common.

Since it is a common gambling theme, it is often depicted with other gambling symbols and elements. The design could include dice, triple sevens, an eight ball, dice, poker chips, cards, money, coins, gold, silver, or cherries. These are all common symbols in gambling-themed tattoo designs. The ace of spades may also be portrayed with symbols of good luck as well, such as the four leaf clover, horseshoes, or swallows.

Ace of spades is also associated with death, so it's not uncommon for it to be designed with fire, flames, and skulls alongside it. These can be designed in many ways. You may want to consider it with flames or flaming skulls. The joker, black rose, or black heart may also be considered.

You may can also have a spade design done in tribal art, Celtic art, or some other design.

Make sure that you take the time to view all the different ace of spades tattoo designs in this article. It will give you a general idea what to expect when you begin planning your tattoo design of the ace of spades. Remember, use your imagination and get creative.

Meanings

The ace of spades tattoo can represent both positive and negative attributes. Remember though, in the end, it represents what you want it to. Below, you'll find some different meanings this symbol is meant to embody:

good luck

prosperity

gambling

power

death

good fortune

chance

toughness

fearless

wealth

As you can see, there are a variety of meanings and associations, both good and bad. It's been a symbol of good luck for hundreds of years. More recently, the ace of spades has been a symbol of power, wealth, and death.

Important Tips

There's a few things that you should note before you get your ace of spades tattoo or any tattoo for that matter.

Just as you're doing now, take the time to do research. You want to make sure that you're completely aware of what your tattoo represents and what it stands for. This article contains dozens of designs. So remember, don't choose the first design you like. Take the time and search through many other designs before you make a final decision. Remember, you're planning to wear this forever.

Never rush to get inked! Men and women that rush to get inked usually have regrets about their tattoo later on down the road. Don't make this same mistake. Cover-ups and laser removal are possible, but it'll cost you more time and more money.

The ace of spades tattoo is a great choice for both men and women. Not only does the ace of spades look good alone, it can also donned with hundreds of other symbols. This allows you the opportunity to personalize your design.

We appreciate your support and value your time. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, please feel free to share them below. We provide free tattoo information and advice to all visitors. Once again, thank you for your time and be sure to view our other articles. Thanks!

Comments 9 comments

I'm wondering when you'll run out of material in this series? LOL It seems to me that you have already done 100 of these and I'm willing to bet there are at least another hundred you could do. Great niche and you do it well my friend.

ocfireflies 3 years ago from North Carolina

Bill is absolutely correct. You truly have created your own sphere within the sphere, and I learn something every time. I had no idea that these cards were used as "psychological warfare." I had a difficult time deciding, but I think I like the last pic the best. I was attracted to its natural sense of antiquity.

Aces to you my friend,

Kim

PS--the prosperous kind : )

Faith Reaper 3 years ago from southern USA

Dear lyric,

How interesting as to the Vietnam war. I never knew of such. Although, I did always associate it with death. However, it is good to know of the other meanings too.

Up and more and sharing

God bless, Faith Reaper

Rosemay50 3 years ago from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand

Interesting to learn of its associations through history especially the Vietnam war.

I never knew it a symbol of good luck, I have always associated the ace of spades with death. My grandmother used to read the cards and it was always a bad omen if the ace of spades turned up.

Thank you for the nlightenment Ricky.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your week

btrbell 3 years ago from Mesa, AZ

I can never get enouigh of your hubs. Your explanations in addition to excellent representations of your topic, amaze me! Thank you!

thelyricwriter 3 years ago from West Virginia Author

@Bill, thanks for the comment and support. LOL Well over 300 at this time, probably 350. There's so many different tattoo symbols and I try to teach those who seek a tattoo that they have plenty of options. I've always viewed it as art.

@Kim, always great to see you. Yes, who knew? World War II saw a little of this but it was taken to extremes in the Vietnam War. Many people beg to differ, but did it play a role to boost the moral for more successful campaigns? Possibly

@Faith, my dear faith :) Appreciate ya always. Yes, the stories that date back to the Vietnam portrays the departed with the Ace of Spades. Vietnamese felt that it was a symbol of bad omen/bad luck.

@Rosemay, thanks for the comment. Great point, the Ace of Spades is a symbol of death. I don't know enough about tarot cards, would have to ask Nell. I'm sure it's a symbol of death in other cultures also.

@Btrbell, LOL, thanks for the great comment and support! I appreciate that fact. Every tattoo holds a level of symbolic value and the meanings can have a detailed history.

teaches12345 3 years ago

This must be a popular tattoo with those who love to play cards. Is that blood on the one photo of the hand? Not sure about that one. Another great topic shared.

thelyricwriter 3 years ago from West Virginia Author

Hey Teaches, thanks for dropping in. Most certainly, cards tattoos are big amongst gamblers. A gambler will take all the good luck he or she can get, leaving none behind. For the wearer, it's believed to give them good luck and fortune. Yes, that's blood, tattooed as blood that is. This ace of spade tattoos is designed with barbed wire, appearing to pierce the skin. This ace of spades is being held down by barbed wire. Thanks

Wendy Domino 2 years ago

You left something important out of this article. An ace of spades can also stand for aromantic asexuality.

Asexual is often shorted to "ace" in the asexual community and an ace of spades is representative of aromantic asexuals while an ace of hearts is representative of romantic asexuals.